let us not get bogged down by every difference between us. let us direct our courage, our thinking, and our decisions at those who reject those historic decisions that lie ahead -- our courage, thinking, at those historic decisions that lie ahead. all of us in a position of leadership are familiar with this. i suppose there are many reasons for skepticism, but i have no doubt that peace is possible. president abbas, we cannot erase the past, but it is within our power to change the future. thousands of years ago, on these very hills where israelis and palestinians live today, the jewish prophet isaiah and the other profits of my people in this end a future -- envisioned a lasting future for all mankind. let's today be an auspicious step in our joint effort to realize that ancient vision for a better future. [applause] >> his excellency, president obama, his excellency prime minister benjamin netanyahu, secretary your clinton, ladies and gentlemen, i would like to start by thanking president obama for his invitation to host us here today to re